Submitted

Thu, May 29th 2014 07:40 am

Collaboration will lead to action plan to put
returning vets in energy industry jobs

On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced a partnership with industry leaders from five electric and gas
utilities to develop a plan that places veterans returning back home in jobs in
the utility industry. The plan supports objectives that emerged from the New
York State Veterans and Military Families Summit held in March, which focused
on the state's efforts to support veterans and the military community.

"New York's veterans have
made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation, and by expanding
professional opportunities for them at home we can help to ease their
transition back to civilian life and empower them for years to come," Cuomo
said. "This partnership will connect veterans looking for employment with the
technical skills and expertise to succeed and ultimately place them in positions
in the energy sector. Our veterans have served us admirably and selflessly -
and this is another way that we can serve them at home."

The state's utilities
will designate one or more colleges as partners in providing veterans with
educational opportunities in preparation for technical energy industry jobs.
The New York State Division of Veteran's Affairs will be the lead agency for
communications and outreach to veterans and will facilitate available
employment opportunities. Monitoring and reporting on consortium members'
progress in achieving action plan milestones will be run by the Department of
Public Service.

The program follows a
model set forth in the federal Troops-To-Energy Jobs program established by the
Center for Energy Workforce Development, a national nonprofit organization for
identifying job opportunities in the energy sector for veterans. The New York
plan will incorporate specific, measurable objectives, and an aggressive
schedule for the implementation of the NYS-TEJ program.

The New York Power
Authority hosted the action-plan kickoff meeting for the NYS-TEJ program in
White Plains on Wednesday. In addition to state agencies,
the NYS TEJ consortium includes Central Hudson Gas and Electric, Consolidated
Edison, Iberdrola USA, National Grid, and PSEG Long Island. Members have
committed to actively coordinate with the CEWD to ensure the New York action
plan is consistent with the federal TEJ program.

NYPA President and CEO
Gil C. Quiniones said, "The New York Power Authority is proud to be a
catalyst in working with other state agencies and utilities to leverage job
opportunities in the energy industry for maximum benefit to returning-home
veterans. Providing good, quality jobs is one significant way we can thank our
troops and their families for their service to our country, and we're glad to
be supporting Gov. Cuomo in this worthy endeavor."

PSC Chair Audrey
Zibelman said, "The Troops-to-Energy Jobs program reflects the appreciation of
all us for the service that our returning vets have undertaken on behalf of
every American. Gov. Cuomo's leadership, the Department of Public Service and
other state agencies are proud to be applying this program in New York state
and supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life."

Director of the State
Division of Veterans Affairs Eric Hesse said, "Troops to Energy Jobs, a
program Gov. Cuomo announced during his Veterans Summit, demonstrates his
commitment to the veterans of New York. His leadership in developing these
relationships between state agencies, allowing us to take on ambitious projects
like Troops to Energy, is unmatched. At a time when most of the news around veterans'
issues is negative, Gov. Cuomo leads the way in improving the lives of New York
veterans."

State Sen. George
Maziarz, chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, said, "Helping connect
veterans with new career opportunities is our duty as Americans and as New
Yorkers. The men and women of our military have done great things for our
country, and setting them up for success as they transition back to civilian
life is something we can do to recognize their special contributions."

Ken Daly, president of
National Grid in New York, said, "National Grid, along with other electric and
gas companies, recognizes that veterans have spent their military careers
protecting national security and are, among many things, battle-tested,
self-motivated and safety-conscious - traits that translate well into a second
career in the utility industry. By hiring veterans into the company, we are
ensuring the continued production and delivery of safe, reliable power to New
York homes and businesses, and that service members are continuing to protect
national security as they work to deliver a product that fuels our lives and
powers our economy."